The Benelli M4–the Definition of Tactical

Gun Reviews Jacob Epstein Semi-Autos Shotguns Uncategorized

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The Benelli M4 is an advanced shotgun for shooters ready to work on their advanced skills.

The Benelli M4 is an advanced shotgun for shooters ready to work on their advanced skills.

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Check out Benelli’s guns: https://www.benelliusa.com/m4-tactical-shotgun

Buy one on GunsAmerica: /Search.htm?T=benelli+m4

Speed, precision, and ergonomics aren’t normally things we associate with tactical shotguns. We are accustomed to slower, heavier guns that (at least when compared to rifles and pistols) aren’t easily manipulates, and are slow to feed. Rough edges, loose tolerances, and bead sights are all apart of the experience. The entry model tactical shotgun is almost always effective, but they can feel a bit primitive.

The Benelli M4 is a gun that breaks that traditional lose and gritty mold. While an old pump gun can feel a bit like a pick-up truck, the M4 is the Italian sports car of scatter guns. Fast and effective, the M4 isn’t the traditional tactical shotgun. In fact it takes a completely different approach and acts more like a scalpel than the hammers we all start with.

The M4 is fast. Much faster than a pump gun.

The M4 is fast. Much faster than a pump gun.

The M4

Let’s start with the action. Semi-automatic tactical guns often have dubious reputations. The varying loads in the 12 gauge family make consistency hard to gauge. Some loads will slam the bolts back. Others won’t provide enough power to eject the shell.

That’s the appeal of the pump. I grew up running pump shotguns and I have always trusted pump shotguns. More importantly I had never found a semi-automatic shotgun that worked as reliably as my beloved Remington 870. And if there is a malfunction with a pump shotgun, the same racking motion used to load each and every shell will clear the chamber.

My love of the pump-gun is what it is. But I’m not one to stick my head in the sand. If there is a better way to do something, I’m open to trying it. And the M4 is the one semiautomatic gun you will always hear cited for reliability in the tactical class.

I’ve spent the last 5 months training with the M4. And I’m talking hard use–around 1500 rounds of buckshot, slugs and mixed high velocity game loads. I’ve come to terms with the semiautomatic combat shotgun and I’m starting to prefer it.

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The M4 isn't as compact as some of the bullpup upstarts. But the design has proven to be compact enough to move in close quarters.

The M4 isn’t as compact as some of the bullpup upstarts. But the design has proven to be compact enough to move in close quarters.

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Features

Gauge: 12 Ga.
Chamber: 2-3/4″ & 3″
Barrel Length: 18-1/2″ with screw in chokes
Weight: 7.8 Lbs.
Sights: Ghost Ring
Action: semi auto (ARGO) Auto-Regulating Gas-Operated system
Finish: Matte Blued
Choke: removable
Capacity: 4 + 1
MRSP: $1999

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This is how the M4 comes out of the box. You can get the M4 with a straight stock, and in H2O resistant stainless, too.

This is how the M4 comes out of the box. You can get the M4 with a straight stock, and in H2O resistant stainless, too.

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Design

To say that the Benelli M4 is a cut above its competition is a gross understatement. In reality this is a gun that is in a class of its own. If we compare the M4 to a pump guns like the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870, price would dictate that the 500 or 870 is the better value. But Benelli makes their own line of less expensive pump guns to compete with the American standards.

Still, there are reasons why the American pump shotguns are household names. Most of the American semi-autos can’t stand up to the M4. The precision and performance of the Benelli makes it stand out like a Clydesdale in a paddock of donkeys.

The dual pistons on the M4 help keep the guts clean.

The dual pistons on the M4 help keep the guts clean.

The M4 is built with speed and reliability in mind. The action of the M4 is driven by the Benelli Argo system. The Argo system is a dual short stroke, self-cleaning gas piston mechanism. The pistons make the action cycle extremely fast while also keeping the bulk of the gasses and grime out of action.

This is a tactical shotgun. Some automatics are finicky. You have to keep them clean and tuned perfectly. If you don’t, you might miss out on a bird, or blow a stage in a competition. But odds are your life isn’t on the line. As cliche as the word “tactical” can be these days, we know the word’s roots. This is a fighting gun. The M4 has to go for long stretches of time without being cleaned, and it still has to run.

But there’s more that makes the platform compelling. The exterior of the gun is built for comfort and functionality. One thing that plagues some shotgun designs is the addition of a pistol grip to what was designed originally as a straight stocked gun. The pistol grip stock of the M4 keeps all the controls in reach and provides a rubber grip to white knuckle as you drive the gun to targets. The forend is ribbed for his or her pleasure. I mean grip. The ribs add a positive griping surface in rain, mud, dust, or while wearing gloves.

Switching out the fixed stock is easy, thanks to forward thinking from Benelli.

Switching out the fixed stock is easy, thanks to forward thinking from Benelli.

Though the factory fixed stock is great and comfortable, I’ve never thought it was all that attractive. Once you remove the stock you will notice the factory buffer tube is already set up for a 3 position collapsible stock. Throw on an aftermarket stock from ProMag or shell out the dough for a N.O.S. Benelli law enforcement stock and the M4 instantly comes into its own. A 3 position stock on the M4 allows the shotgun to be used with body armor or thick winter clothing.

Shooting the M4

The step up to the M4 offers instant results. There is a significant increase in speed, control, and power. Will this instantly make you a better shooter? No. But it will with practice.  And this gun inspires confidence.

Another notable part of the shooting experience is its mild recoil impulse. The relatively light recoil comes from a combination of the ARGO system and the weapon’s weight. Shooting 00 Buck and 1oz. slugs won’t rattle your teeth. The gun shrugs off most recoil as the bolt cycles. After the first few range sessions with the M4, I found shooting 50 rounds of 1oz. slugs in the M4 felt as punishing as shooting 5 to 10 shells in my old 870.

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The sights make accurate shot placement easy.

The sights make accurate shot placement easy.

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And the spread from 25 yards is effective at stopping threats.

And the spread from 25 yards is effective at stopping threats.

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While we are speaking of the ARGO system, it is also important to note that the ARGO recoil system is self adjusting. This allows you to mix loads all the way down to mild game loads. You normally can’t get away with bird shot in this gun but you can reliably run a mixed tube of 00 buck, 1oz. slugs, and high velocity game loads. Maybe that’s the one place where an old pump gun just can’t be beaten.

The loading gate is polished allowing the shells to slide in with ease. The loading gate is thumb safe, too. My medium sized thumbs and loading gates don’t normally get along, but I after a few reloads, I had no trouble with the gate.

One immediate change I made was the addition of an extended mag tube.

One immediate change I made was the addition of an extended mag tube.

In its stock configuration the gun holds 4+1–nothing too rave about. In a gun this size, I want more for both defensive and offensive shooting scenarios. Adding an extension or threading a full-length magazine tube on to the gun adds to the capacity. An extension allows for a 7+1 or 8+1 if you ghost load the gun (loading a full tube, the lifter and the chamber).

Ergonomics

From the accessibility of the controls, to the ease of manipulation, the M4 is just a bit more in touch with the shooter. Not everything is perfect form the factory, but with a few outsourced parts (and some time) the gun can easily be perfected.

Let’s start with the good–the safety is over-sized and easily accessed from either side of the pistol grip. The cartridge drop lever is out of the way and protected, but still easily accessible by breaking your grip. The iron sights are adjustable and give you a clean sight picture that is better than most rifles.

The ProMag stock compacts nicely and is easy to extend. Ideal for those who may need a variable length of pull because of armor or heavy clothing.

The ProMag stock compacts nicely and is easy to extend. Ideal for those who may need a variable length of pull because of armor or heavy clothing.

After running the gun for a while now, I’d like address a few other items. You can replace the bolt handle with an over-sized barrel from Freedom Fighter Tactical; add a larger pad to the bolt release from GG&G and even swap out the stock for an adjustable stock from Pro Mag. After attacking those low spots It’s hard to find anything to dislike about the M4.

Move on up

Guns like the Mossberg 500, and the Remington 870 have been the industry standard tactical shotguns for decades. Pump action dependability gets the job done. But now that I’ve run the M4, they feel like starter guns.

The only reason I can come up with to stick with the old pump platform is price. I used to say it was reliability. The M4 has undercut that old excuse. I’d go so far as to say that the M4 is the upgrade you should make once you’ve mastered pump-action shotgun. It’s the last tactical shotgun you will ever want or need to buy. It’s a gun you would take with you to war, the gun you would wield as society collapsed, the gun you grab when you hear a bump in the night.

Freedom Fighter Tactical Benelli M4 Upgrades
/blog/freedom-fighter-tactical-benelli-m4-upgrades/

Benelli M4 Raven Stock from ATI
/blog/benelli-m4-raven-stock-ati/

ProMag’s Benelli Mods on the Cheap–Review
/blog/promags-benelli-mods-cheap-review/

Check out Benelli’s guns: https://www.benelliusa.com/m4-tactical-shotgun

Buy one on GunsAmerica: /Search.htm?T=benelli+m4

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The piston system helps keep the internals clean, and an easy field strip makes cleaning easier.

The piston system helps keep the internals clean, and an easy field strip makes cleaning easier.

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More upgrades from Pro Mag. A railed forend is harder to hold, but more versatile.

More upgrades from Pro Mag. A railed forend is harder to hold, but more versatile.

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Even though it isn't as short as a bullpup, the M4 is still maneuverable.

Even though it isn’t as short as a bullpup, the M4 is still maneuverable.

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The front sight is much more robust than what you'd typically find on a shotgun.

The front sight is much more robust than what you’d typically find on a shotgun.

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The rear sight is a well protected ghost ring.

The rear sight is a well protected ghost ring. The barrel shaped charging handle is from Freedom Fighter Tactical.

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Freedom Fighter Tactical Benelli M4 Upgrades
/blog/freedom-fighter-tactical-benelli-m4-upgrades/

Benelli M4 Raven Stock from ATI
/blog/benelli-m4-raven-stock-ati/

ProMag’s Benelli Mods on the Cheap–Review
/blog/promags-benelli-mods-cheap-review/

Check out Benelli’s guns: https://www.benelliusa.com/m4-tactical-shotgun

Buy one on GunsAmerica: /Search.htm?T=benelli+m4

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  • Jeremiah January 6, 2016, 8:00 pm

    I have a M1014 with a american flag on it. Whats the value of it?

  • Doggie December 14, 2015, 9:26 pm

    First off I would like to say that I own an M1, M2, Versa Max Tactical, 1100 and the M4.

    1. M4 can be had for $1400 – $1600, so it’s about 10% – 15% more than a Versa Max or M2.
    2. An M1/M2 has very different operating systems and can’t be compared to an M4. The Versa Max is a very close copy.
    3. M1/M2, Versa Max may have ‘Tactical’ models, but these are really not designed to run in sand, mud etc… they are ONLY Tactical because they are ‘Black’ and have the luxury of being cared for with oil and love. The M4 is designed to run in Extreme conditions – check out my M4 after taking a dive in a mud bank! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYXPCXEOK1I I will challenge ANY 1100, 930 or any other auto designed and build to run bird shot to function under these conditions.

  • word hater December 14, 2015, 1:18 pm

    I am so sick of the word TACTICAL i didnt even bother reading this. It’s truly the most misused and stupid word ever.

  • Frank December 14, 2015, 11:12 am

    I agree with a prior comment about failure to cycle with low loads. The Benelli needs 3 1/8 dr equivalent or more to cycle reliably. (This should be most hunting or defense rounds.) I have never used less than lethal rounds, so cannot comment on their cycling in the Benelli.

  • Frank December 14, 2015, 11:11 am

    Agree with a prior comment about failure to cycle with low loads. The Benelli needs 3 1/8 dr equivalent or more to cycle reliably, which should be most hunting or defense rounds. Have never used less than lethal rounds, so cannot comment on their cycling in the Benelli.

  • Norm Fishler December 14, 2015, 11:05 am

    I bought my M1 Super 90 in 2001 for about $850 and have cherished it ever since. It handles great and shoots very well indeed. 1 oz trap and skeet loads seem to function in the gun reliably, but a side saddle mount for extra shells is an invitation to constant and unrelenting malfunctions. My only complaint is that I have an 870 tricked out into a combat shotgun that I can shoot trap with better. I’m guessing it has to do with the sights on the Benelli as opposed to the bead on the 870. I was wondering about that collapsible stock though. Is it available as an extra to the civilian market? Anybody have an idea of price? Will one fit my M1 Super 90 without modification, and how close is the weight between the fixed butt stock model and one with the collapsible stock? Would there be any legal issues with 922r?

  • Frank December 14, 2015, 10:56 am

    M4 vs M1: I still prefer my Benelli M1, and don’t understand why Benelli went backwards. The M1 holds 7+1 (on load tray) +1 in chamber for a total of 9. They are great shotguns, but for $2K, give me the same capacity as the older generation, and maybe then I could consider some of the other “refinements”. But for now, I am keeping my old one.

  • loupgarous October 29, 2015, 11:22 am

    Barack Obama, the gun manufacturer’s friend. He waves his magic pen around ominously, and suddenly $800 isn’t too much for an AK-47 action chambered in 12-gauge, and $2,000 won’t get you a Heckler & Koch PSG any more (I remember when that’s what they cost – back in the 1980s) but a Benelli tactical shotgun. All because at any time, the arch-Chicago wardheeler can flourish his own madly-expensive weapon – I imagine they’re bought on a sole-source contract from the same stationer his boss George Soros uses – and prevent mere mortals from owning them… because if American citizens could defend themselves from him and his core support group, the fact would be captured on a cell phone and touch off viral outrage among all unthinking people. Better just to leave us with the double-barreled piece of crap Joe Biden calls the cops with.

  • Daniel September 16, 2015, 6:14 pm

    I purchased one of the original limited release Mil Spec Benelli M4 Super 90’s with the American flag stamped on the receiver (it’s the same shotgun in this blog, the only difference is it has an American flag stamped in the receiver). It shoots buck and slug perfectly, but when I tried to shoot #8 birdshot out of it during a three gun match, it wouldn’t cycle the low brass shells. I tried five different manufacturers. I took the rifle to several reputable gun smiths, and upon inspection and testing, they deemed that the firearm cannot cycle low brass shells without factory modification. I have also found blogs affirming the fact that the semi-auto M4 will not fire low brass low powered shells. I have yet to find someone at Benelli willing to service the firearm due to its age, so now I’m stuck with a cool looking tactical shotgun that only fires high brass shells. Buyer beware….

    • cody shores September 21, 2015, 7:44 am

      Run 7 1/2 # shot 1 1/4 Oz 1200 fps or higher and it’ll be completely reliable mine eats the stuff with no complaints

    • Spartan November 18, 2015, 4:13 pm

      Mine took a few hundred rounds to break in. Now i can mix any load and it cycles everything 100%. Get some range time in!

    • DBC December 14, 2015, 7:03 pm

      Low brass, high brass has absolutely nothing to do with cycling a gun, light or heavy does, payload and FPS!

  • BillyBob September 16, 2015, 9:23 am

    With my saiga or KSG or BlackAces can shoot 15 rounds before the M4 LOL// RELOADING TIME IS IMPORTANT
    IN A FIREFIGHT !

  • Mark September 15, 2015, 7:27 pm

    Why, oh why would you purchase the Benelli M4 (admittedly and exquisite gun) when you can buy its twin brother, the Beretta 1301 Tactical for half the price?!? The Beretta will do everything the Benelli does, weighs less and is eminently available stateside for so much less. Just checked at a totally reputable site (withheld for advertising reasons) and it is available locally for less than a grand, out the door.

  • Pro2Aguy September 14, 2015, 11:52 pm

    Look, this was a very good article not that it’s too difficult for one to salivate what is the “War God” of the Tactical Shotgun Arena (though some Vepr-12 Operators would beg to argue…). Author does a fine job of explaining in “layman’s” terms the often difficult to understand 922r regulations (honestly a stupid government policy but it is what it is nonetheless).

    However, even if one accepts that the M4 is the single best tactical scattergun to be found on ‘Mother Earth,” it’s default configuration off-the-shelf model alone is VERY expensive (even prior to a single ‘upgrade) relatively speaking (of course, price is a subjective matter to be sure)…so if we take even a super sale-price M4 scenario say @$1700 understanding that to reach desired configuration of an extended mag tube (again due to yet another stupid government reg) once must subsequently purchase the part for another $170-200 and we are soon in the $2K+ arena for the Benelli M4…Personally I do not know of many people that can justify that kind of budget–in fact, I see lots of people instead looking for less expensive alternatives to the Benelli M4 such as the Mossberg 930, Saiga/Vepr, and even some of the fine Turkish shotguns becoming inceasingly available in the States.

    But yeah, if money were of no object I would add the outstanding M4 to my repertoire…

  • John September 14, 2015, 7:16 pm

    As a 30+ year shooter of the venerable Remington 870 in various forms, and still keep one handy JIC. I do have to continue with the “reliability” to shoot any ammunition, wet, dry, muddy, fouled, what have you… as the primary reason to keep with that which you know; especially in the dark of night, with adrenalin pumping. Though recently I broke down at a show and picked up an Old Reliable Remington Mod 11, which is a early US version of the Browning Auto. Once I located a spec sheet for the proper arrangement of the shims for the gas system, I have not had any issues with it shooting low brass, high brass, slugs what ever… Granted its been cut down to a ‘scatter gun’ length, so its no longer the bird gun it was built as. I know during WWII these were used to train Aerial Gunners with the variable choke system used back in the day. But for $400 I have an AMERICAN made Remington, with 4 in the tube plus one… and with another $1600 in my pocket for AMMO…!

  • cody shores September 14, 2015, 6:42 pm

    I own a benelli m4 and it’s the Leo one with the 7 shot tube and the factory collapsing stock. It’s an amazing shotgun and I use it for any thing that requires a shotgun, however my gun will not run any shell lighter than 1 1/8 Oz game loads and no shells slower than 1200 fps. It will not extract them well, but I feed mine military 00 buck loads any kind of slug and federal or Remington 7 1/2 shot and it’s 100% reliable.excellent gun and I love mine

  • Mikial September 14, 2015, 6:11 pm

    A beautiful gun, and the Lamborghini of shotguns, but not within the capacity of the average American to buy. My wife loves her pump 12 and I love my Saiga. Combined cost . . . . $750 a few years ago. Her’s holds five and with an extended mag, mine holds 12.

    I know these gun magazines and blogs love to review the high end items, but it would be so much more helpful if they would give us average working shmucks the benefit of helping us find practical weapons we can honestly afford.

    • DD September 14, 2015, 9:49 pm

      Here here Mikial!!!!

    • Bobby September 14, 2015, 11:42 pm

      Understood and agreed Mikial! However, I have been repeatedly asked over the last few years, inquiring about my recommendations for a primary, personal security, long gun, that can be useed for the family or possibly a business or team scenario…. Should they go with a semi auto rifle, carbine or shotgun or with the slower but possibly more reliable pump action shotgun or either a pump or lever rifle. My first question is A) how much experience and training, are you comfortable with now and how much more time are you willing to commit to becoming confident and proficient with the weapon. From there question B) is “How much is it all worth to you , the security and life of who you’re protecting, your family or your team. Because as you said, it gets expensive quickly! Then, If they’re all in and want the best, C) What would be to the highest threat scenario you could find your self facing. Once you have those questions answered…. only then, would you know if recommending a Benelli M-4 or LWRC IC is overkill and possibly too much money. However, when you need the best tool to use on a specific situation, failure is not an option and what your are protecting is priceless, the price point is moot!

    • Bobby Wickham September 14, 2015, 11:56 pm

      Understood and agreed Mikial! However, I have been repeatedly asked over the last few years, inquiring about my recommendations for a primary, personal security, long gun, that can be useed for the family or possibly a business or team scenario…. Should they go with a semi auto rifle, carbine or shotgun or with the slower but possibly more reliable pump action shotgun or either a pump or lever rifle. My first question is A) how much experience and training, are you comfortable with now and how much more time are you willing to commit to becoming confident and proficient with the weapon. From there question B) is “How much is it all worth to you , the security and life of who you’re protecting, your family or your team. Because as you said, it gets expensive quickly! Then, If they’re all in and want the best, C) What would be to the highest threat scenario you could find your self facing. Once you have those questions answered…. only then, would you know if recommending a Benelli M-4 or LWRC IC is overkill and possibly too much money. However, when you need the best tool to use on a specific situation, failure is not an option and what your are protecting is priceless, the price point is moot!

  • Jose Canjewsee September 14, 2015, 2:53 pm

    Fit it with a magazine and I’ll be impressed. There’s a reason people go ape sh*t over the Saiga 12/VEPR and Akdal 1919.

  • Mark Smith September 14, 2015, 11:53 am

    Having used an $800 off-the-shelf Benelli M1 Super 90 in a decade of competition without suffering any malfunctions using AA birdshot through Federal slugs, I fail to see the excitement about the much-more-expensive, complicated, and heavier M4. Further, with a $200 barrel change, the M1 Super 90 became a bird and sporting clays gun.

  • Chris T. September 14, 2015, 11:16 am

    The Benelli M4 also makes for an outstanding turkey hunting shotgun!

    Perfectly reliable and I have used it a LOT on clay targets (very easy to break clays with this thing!!) and I even shot my first Spring turkey with it a this year. It drills turkeys out to 55 yards and a bit beyond with the right choke and load (HEVI-Shot choke and HEVI-13 Magnum Blend in my case). Plus, it looks awesome.

  • Art September 14, 2015, 10:43 am

    I thought Bill was correct. Isn’t there some law about creating a previously banned assault weapon/shotgun. It’s one thing to lose $2000, it’s another to become a felon, lose your freedom and your right to EVER own a gun again. Could someone knowledgeable please chime in on the mag extension issue?

    • pops45 September 14, 2015, 11:10 am

      Not a lawyer but 922r was for rifles. Not shotguns. However, if it were to be wrapped up in 922r by an overzealous agent, you can still add the ext tube as long as you add the correct amount of US made parts. But in reality, since it doesn’t have an removable magazine, and it’s a shotgun, not sure how it qualifies as an assault rifle. Out on one of the Benelli blogs someone actually got a letter from the ATF on this subject

    • Ray September 14, 2015, 1:00 pm

      I am not sure if there is a Federal restriction on the capacity of shotguns, but I know many states have laws that limit the capacity especially on auto loaders. I am in NJ and an extended mag on an auto loader shotgun is a no no but the same extension on a pump gun is legal. I guess auto loaders are just more evil !!!

    • Spartan November 18, 2015, 4:11 pm

      Just google 922r compliance for benelli m4. Tons of articles out there. Freedom Fighter Tactical will sell you the package with an ATF letter.

  • Frank September 14, 2015, 9:55 am

    Enjoyed the article but had to comment. As an retired LE officer formerly in a narc unit, we carried the Benneli 14″ semi autos and I loved it. Never had an issue in training (mostly shooting AA bird shot) BUT the day I needed it, it jammed after the first shot of low recoil LE buck shot, fortunately my backup was handy. This never happened in training, the firearms examiner reported that the low recoil buck shot was to blame. I love the Benelli and own a 12 gauge Legacy for bird hunting (there’s a pricey gun) but for real life head to head shoot outs, give me a trusted 870, nearly indestructible, totally reliable and will run dirty, wet or whatever.
    Also, on this m4 I think a fixed stock with hard butt plate is better for tactical purposes, I have had to butt stroke a person on a warrant entry and the Benelli is not something you can do that with, the shells pops out of the chamber.

    • Mick December 14, 2015, 6:44 am

      Had to butt stroke someone? Odd, two deployments as an infantryman with literally hundreds of entries, and I never had to buttstroke anyone. It’s a good thing you were there to protect and serve we-the-people against, um, we-the-people. You must have felt really cool kitting up in your fancy black costume, or better yet, a camouflage outfit, and then pretended to hear a rustle inside; “they must be destroying evidence, GO GO GO!” Ah, there’s nothing like breaking the fourth amendment rights of people only suspected of consensual crimes. I’m sure you sleep well.

      • jj December 14, 2015, 1:08 pm

        A little antagonistic…but I agree at three levels of principle. 1. Police now consider all encounters ” feared for my life” 2. (yours) Falsifying probable cause for anything they wish to do 3. TESTI-LIE They have rehearsed testimony to simplistic will convict language and will falsify reports to exonerate each other.

        Last…. The cops are who they are… it is a hard job…at times.. But the REAL corruption lies with the DA and local judges who
        rubber stamp braking peoples rights and open the legal door to do so for the police. The DA and local judges manipulate accountability by one not prosecuting, fostering false testimony and the judges using their “discretion” to impede prosecution, to manipulate through jury instructions and rulings on objections during the process. Plain, simple…. and corrupt.

        • Mick December 14, 2015, 9:00 pm

          Agreed, and I didn’t mean for it to come across as harshly as it did. Incentivising police forces to combat drugs (of which I have never taken) has only served to arm our police forces with an us versus them mentality. The government programs giving away armored vehicles, M16s, grenade launchers, and all of the other stuff designed to combat the enemies of our nation wee not designed to be used against Constitutionally protected citizens, and it absolutely affects the psyche of the people that they are given to. Police are NOT soldiers, nor should they be.

          The supreme court has even ruled that they are held to a different standard than we are. Heien v. North Carolina and Mullenix v. Luna spring to mind immediately, and I find it odd that the vocal dissenting protector of our rights is a democrat (Sotomayer), which I most assuredly am not, while the republicans stand by. One amendment is not more important than the others. We the people should not stand by and let any of them be infringed.

          BTW, I own a Benelli M4, and while it’s pricey, until you shoot one you just don’t know what you’re talking about. Still, my Ithaca 37 DS Police Special is the one I’d grab if SHTF.

  • Mark September 14, 2015, 8:54 am

    I’ve had experience with an m4 and it’s a great gun. It feels better than my versa max. It’s an expensive gun but you get your money’s worth. I still prefer my little PGO mossy but that’s because I love how compact it is. It’s by my bed at night and under my truck seat during the day.

  • BillyBob September 14, 2015, 8:50 am

    Mossberg® 930™ SPX Special Purpose Tactical Semiautomatic Shotgun Regular Price: $729.99 Item: IK-291326
    Just as fast or faster / Jerry M tested 3 or 4 for 1 Bentelli (LOL) that way your wife and kids can have a shotgun too !

  • j September 14, 2015, 8:47 am

    That’s an idiotic price tag, good luck selling the M4 to the US population.

  • Evan September 14, 2015, 8:43 am

    I had one of these in the Marine Corps. I understand how doubters say it’s not worth $2000 for a shotgun, but people who have never shot the Benelli just don’t understand. You really have to experience it to appreciate it. If I could afford the $2K, I’d buy a Benelli in an instant.

  • Joe September 14, 2015, 7:21 am

    Having owned only two shotguns in forty years ,both of them semi automatics, and only shooting one pump gun an Ithica model 37 feather light which was sweet I cant pretend to be an expert on them.
    However my Savage auto which has been handed down from my uncle to my oldest brother over sixty years never acted finicky even though my uncle who was crippled and used it for a crutch half the time he was hunting with it, and my brother neglected it which forced me to acquire it from him and tear it down and clean up surface rust and re blue it four times with a home bluing kit before being satisfied with the job. Nor was the Browning auto five I purchased second hand twenty some years ago.
    However I always keep them clean and oiled and wouldn’t consider them battle tested, they both run whatever I put through them over the years.

  • Greg September 14, 2015, 6:58 am

    All of the guys I know that run these love them, but my sticking point was always the price. 2 grand for a shottie that doesn’t have silver inlays is a tough nut to crack. I don’t see where it has any advantages over the modern autoloaders. I’d like to see a head to head with the Remington versa-max, an FN and even the Mossy 930

    • bobg September 14, 2015, 8:06 am

      Agreed – you can buy used 1100 Rems cheap – $300-$400. They will handle 5 (I think) rounds – one in chamber, 4 in mag. Maybe get a mag extender if desired. Much less than $2000. And it’s American made.

  • Bill September 14, 2015, 6:36 am

    I thought it was illegal to put aa tube extension on the M4 because of some kind of ” to much of the firearm is made in a different country”?? I took mine to a shop and the guy gave me a big lecture on why he couldn’t do that an an M4.

    • Pops45 September 14, 2015, 11:00 am

      Take it to a different shop.

    • P.G. September 14, 2015, 12:54 pm

      Not illegal, you just have to chance several other parts to USA made parts along with it. I think stock, fore-grip, follower and stock + the full length tube.

      Not sure any of that matters since no one will be checking for all those things at the range, but with an Anti-gun administration, I can see being prosecuted for NOT having spent all that money to check all those boxes if you used your M4 in a self-defense situation and they process your gun for whatever reason.

    • Spartan November 18, 2015, 4:06 pm

      Take it to a shop that has a clue on gun laws. It has to comply with 922r which means replacing other parts with american made stuff, not a big deal at all. Fore grip pieces, mag spring and tube itself.

  • jay September 14, 2015, 5:44 am

    No matter what, it aint worth 2000 bux! But I’ll take one if it’s a freebie or heavily discounted or government issued! ‘Till then, I’ll struggle along with my Vepr12.

    • pops45 September 14, 2015, 11:13 am

      Yeah $2000 too much, I got my older Benelli M1, for about $600. The sights aren’t the same, but it still is one slick shotgun that would function as well and fast as an M4..

    • Vic December 15, 2015, 7:19 pm

      Wow!!! That Benneli is sure a “Purty Thing”

      IMHO,
      Get an1100 , 870 or a Mossberg (used is fine, have someone who knows check it out for safe operation) then.. add a few accessories if you like, once again have a decent Smith go over it.. maybe use couple cans of Krylon to spruce it up…spend the other $1200 on training. ammunition and range time and maybe a nice dinner with company. Once you run 300-500 rounds similar or like you intend to shoot… (you choose) thru the weapon without any sort of mechanically related hickup (you have not caused by mishandling) .. … add a few laps, push-ups and sit-up, keep working to improve. Now keep it handy and you should be good to go..

      Vic

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